Tokyo's 1st weekend after state of emergency ends

May 30, 2020 | News On Japan

May 30, 2020 () - People in Tokyo have been enjoying their first weekend since the Japanese capital ended a state of emergency that was declared due to the coronavirus.

Some cautiously made trips into shopping areas where many businesses have reopened for the first time in weeks.

Crowds were noticeably bigger in the popular district of Shibuya following the easing of restrictions.

Shoppers and staff were required to wear masks at all times in a department store. Floor markings reminded people to maintain distance.

Tokyo will allow gyms, theaters and shops selling non-essential goods to reopen on June 1. It will continue to request that restaurants and cafes stop serving food and drinks by 10 p.m.

It's a different story in the southwestern city of Kitakyushu, where authorities are calling on people to stay home amid a renewed surge in coronavirus cases.

Kitakyushu recorded new infections for seven straight days through Friday, reaching a total of 69.

More than 16,800 people have tested positive across the country and about 890 have died.

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